Tools

Sine bar & gauge blocks

Set your angle, find the stack height, and choose the blocks to build it.

Use the distance between roller centers. Bar and block-set units can differ; the calculator converts them.

Required stack height—
Angle in decimal degrees—
Degrees · arcminutes · arcseconds—
Sine bar setupOne roller rests on the reference surface; gauge blocks raise the other roller by h. L joins the roller centers. L: roller center distance h: stack θ = 30° Reference surface
h = L × sin(θ). Diagram is schematic; roller sizes are exaggerated.

Build your gauge block stack

View or edit available blocks

Separate lengths with spaces, commas, or newlines; use a decimal point. Each entry is one physical block. Repeat a length only if you own multiple blocks of that size. Up to 120 blocks, with six decimal places per length.

Finds the closest height using up to your selected block count, preferring fewer blocks when heights tie. Edit the inventory to match your set.

Suggested stack height—
Achieved angle—
Height difference (stack − target)—
Angle difference (stack − target)—

Results use nominal block lengths. Displayed differences describe the selected combination; they do not include block calibration error, wringing, temperature, or sine bar uncertainty.

Formulas and references

Frequently asked questions

Which sine bar length should I enter?

Enter the distance between the roller centers, in inches or millimeters. Choose a preset or enter a custom center distance; the required stack height is L × sin(angle).

Can I enter arcminutes and arcseconds?

Yes. Choose degrees, arcminutes, arcseconds to enter separate fields. One degree contains 60 arcminutes, and one arcminute contains 60 arcseconds. Results show both angle formats.

How are gauge blocks selected?

The calculator finds the closest nominal height using up to five blocks from the selected inventory. Each listed block can be used once; equal-height choices prefer fewer blocks. The achieved angle and its difference from the target are calculated from that stack.

Can I use my own block set?

Yes. Edit the preset inventory or select a custom inch or metric set. Repeat a length only when you have multiple physical blocks of that size. The bar and block set may use different units.